From left: BIGBANG leader G-Dragon and Byeon Woo-seok / Image credit: MBC, Star News
G-Dragon Receives Korea’s Highest Cultural Honor
BIGBANG’s leader G-Dragon (Kwon Ji-yong) has been named one of this year’s recipients of the Order of Cultural Merit, the Republic of Korea’s highest government honor in the arts and entertainment field. The award recognizes his outstanding contributions to globalizing K-pop and elevating the international status of Korean pop culture.
The 16th Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards, organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) and the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA), will take place on October 23 at the National Theater of Korea.
A total of 31 individuals and teams across music, film, television, comedy, and broadcasting will be honored for their creative achievements and impact on the development of Korea’s popular culture and arts industry.
Recognizing Excellence Across the Arts
This year’s distinctions include 6 Orders of Cultural Merit, 7 Presidential Commendations, 8 Prime Minister’s Commendations, and 10 Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism’s Commendations.
Among the Order of Cultural Merit recipients:
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Kim Hae-sook (Silver Crown Medal), celebrated as the “Nation’s Mother” since her 1975 debut.
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Lee Byung-hun and Jung Dong-hwan (Treasure Medals), recognized for expanding the global reach of Korean entertainment and their philosophical depth in acting.
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The late Jeon Yoo-sung, Bae Han-sung, and G-Dragon (Jade Crown Medals) — with G-Dragon honored for leading the global Korean Wave (Hallyu) through his innovation in music, fashion, and culture.
Byeon Woo-seok Among Rising Stars Honored
Actor Byeon Woo-seok, who captivated audiences worldwide through his breakout role in Lovely Runner, will receive the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism’s Commendation.
He joins a star-studded list of honorees that includes Go Yoon-jung, Ji Chang-wook, Choo Young-woo, and leading K-pop groups RIIZE, LE SSERAFIM, (G)I-DLE, and ZEROBASEONE — recognized for their growing influence and artistic contributions.
Other Ministerial Commendation recipients include comedian Lee Soo-ji and dance crew Bebe, praised for elevating Korea’s choreography scene to a global stage.
A Celebration of Korea’s Creative Legacy
Since its inception, the Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards has celebrated those who embody the nation’s creative spirit and cultural innovation. Each honoree represents a bridge between Korea’s artistic heritage and its dynamic global future — from long-respected veterans like Kim Hae-sook to trailblazers like G-Dragon and Byeon Woo-seok, whose artistry continues to inspire a new generation of creators worldwide.
